Series production gets underway: BMW Group officially opens Plant Irlbach-Straßkirchen
BMW Group inaugurated its new Plant Irlbach-Straßkirchen in Bavaria, launching series production of sixth-generation high-voltage batteries for the BMW i3 and supporting the ramp-up of Neue Klasse models.
The BMW Group officially opened Plant Irlbach-Straßkirchen in Bavaria, marking the start of series production just two-and-a-half years after construction began. The facility is supplying sixth-generation high-voltage batteries to BMW Group Plant Munich for installation in the BMW i3, with production operating on a two-shift basis due to strong demand for Neue Klasse models. Raymond Wittmann, Member of the Board of Management of BMW AG responsible for Production, highlighted the plant's role as a central platform supplying German vehicle plants with these batteries, contributing to the ramp-up of the Neue Klasse.
Minister-President Markus Söder praised the plant as a celebration for Bavaria and Germany, emphasizing the high-tech nature of the batteries produced and the need for faster approvals and investments to maintain international competitiveness. He noted the plant's rapid construction as a model for future projects and underscored the automotive sector's systemic importance for Bavaria, including securing technology, value creation, and local jobs.
Construction of the plant on a 60-hectare site was completed in record time, with less than two years between the start of construction in April 2024 and the production of the first pre-series battery in March 2026. This was enabled by close cooperation between the company, policymakers, authorities, and regional partners, supported by local residents. A referendum in September 2023 saw over 75 percent of voters approve the plant's construction, with a turnout of around 77 percent.
Plant Irlbach-Straßkirchen employs around 1,600 workers producing several hundred high-voltage batteries daily on two production lines. The facility uses state-of-the-art, intelligent production processes for sixth-generation high-voltage batteries, integrating cylindrical round cells directly into the battery via the 'cell-to-pack' principle. The plant employs 500 robots across a 50,000-sq.m. area, with AI assistants analyzing real-time data to ensure zero-defect production and enhance Overall Equipment Effectiveness.